Want to Learn How to Draw Cartoons?

You can learn how to draw cartoons of all different kinds - animals, people, dragons, monsters, fantasy, etc... right here. Right now.

Here on this site - since its beginning in 2007... I've created a ton of simple step by step cartoon drawing lessons, made to inspire and help you improve at drawing, art and design.

And for sure...

Drawing is such a passion for me - it's one of my favorite things in the world... not just doing it... but sharing and teaching it to others like yourself.

And what a great place to do it - here on the Internet!

So then...

Is this your first time learning how to draw?

Is so, please don't sweat it. Drawing is something that anyone can do. We're all at different levels, and at the end of the day - it all comes down to passion... to loving what you're doing.

If you really love what you're doing - it's much easier to keep at it, practicing and repeating for as long as it takes. Which of course - is forever...

A lifelong pursuit :)

Of course, even if you already see yourself at a higher level of ability - that's great too. We all have lots to learn - and through the learning process... we also all have lots to teach.

In short, we're learning how to draw as long and as much as we can - and also... are paying it forward - helping and teaching others what we've learned so far.

So hopefully, I can offer some new tips and tricks along the way.

And on that note...

Here are a few things to keep in mind about learning how to draw, and the cartoon drawing lessons here on this site - before you start drawing. Click on one of the following links, and you'll be taken further on down the page to learn more...

3. Drawing Lesson Categories

Perhaps the most important factor when it comes to drawing (and anything!) is to draw the things you most love.

When you love what you're doing, work often feels more like play.

And for sure, this is exactly how it should be!

To help with this, I've divided the site into a series of 'online drawing lesson categories' everything from animals to dragons to people.

Choose the category you're most interested in, and practice your drawing skills in and around this theme.

Do what you love and love what you do! :)

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I put up an image of this whale shark character, because I really like drawing sea creatures, cartoon characters, monsters, etc.

So when coming up with the design for this guy - it was a lot easier, as I was working within a theme/category, that I really enjoy.

So for sure, I recommend you do the same.

4. Online Drawing Lessons - The BIG Picture

In each of the online drawing lessons, the first thing you'll see - is a finished, colored version of the cartoon that you'll soon be creating.

I did this so that you have a clear goal before-hand, of exactly what it is you'll be doing.

In this way...

You'll have a better understanding of the step by step process, and it will be much easier for you to progress from start to finish.

Often, when you first look at the end goal - it sort *cements* and idea in mind - something that you can strive to accomplish.

And no...

It's not to say - that you must create *exactly* that picture, that you see.

I'd rather you be creative, and come up with your own unique drawings.

Still...

By seeing this final version - before you even begin...

You'll have a better sense of what sorts of shape, structure, color, etc. - that you may want to focus on, to complete the task at hand.

In a sense, it's sort of like "the light at the end of the tunnel". Or maybe even like walking through a forest.

Have the end goal in mind (exiting the forest) - but don't forget to enjoy all that beautiful nature along the way.

Enjoy the process - but keep pushing forward :)

5. How to Draw with Frameworks

I like to begin each lesson by encouraging you to draw, what I like to call - a framework.

Truly, everything we draw - can be broken down into a series of simple, 'easy to recognize' shapes. And similar to the way our bones are the frameworks of our bodies, and how steel beams are the frameworks of buildings...

Simple shapes can be arranged ahead of time, as they help us visualize what it is we're drawing.

So yes, a series of simple shapes - arranged in a particular way...

Act as the framework in most of the online drawing lessons you'll find here on the site.

Not only does a framework aid in keeping a drawing 'looking the way it's supposed to'... but also...

It helps to maintain proportion so that you can put more focus on the creative 'left brain' aspect of things.

The more you practice and repeat, the more familiar you will become with the various patterns of shapes and lines involved in whatever it is that you're drawing - and eventually...

The less you'll need to make use of a framework.

It's at this point, when you begin to 'draw from memory' - similar to how you would play a musical instrument 'without even thinking about it'...

After lots and lots of practice!

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Something else I'd like to point out - just because I use frameworks here on the site - doesn't mean you *have to use them* - OR - that it's absolutely necessary.

Always do what works best for you.

6. Draw this First!

Once you have a framework drawn (if the lesson calls for it!)...

I like to encourage you to begin these online drawing lessons, by drawing the head of whatever it is you're sketching - especially (obviously) if it's a cartoon character - something that thinks...

Something with eyes!

And speaking of eyes...

After you've sketched out a framework with guidelines, the eyes are the very first thing - in most cases, that I'll recommend you draw.

Quite simply, the eyes are the windows to the soul, and so - by drawing them first...

It can really help to establish life and character in your drawing, early on - and It can often make the rest of the process that much easier and more enjoyable!

Of course, this idea of "drawing the eyes first" - is just that... an idea. Do what works for you.

7. How to Draw Step-by-Step - The Process

Framework and head in place, the rest of the lesson takes place in series of very-easy-to-follow steps.

And yes, I really do try and make things as easy as possible for you.

Often, I'll go a little overboard and include even the tiniest of steps.

And I do this so that you know exactly what's going on - and exactly what you need to draw next!

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Of course, every online drawing lesson *IS* different.

Sometimes, like say in this dragon lesson - in the image to the left...

I'll add in all sorts of details, simply because - well... just because.

When it comes to drawing - and I think we can all relate to this...

Sometimes, we get caught up in the creativity of the moment - and when it's all said and drawn, stepping back...

It's like *wow* - I put a TON of effort into this, and it feels like no time has passed at all. :)

8. Creativity and Imagination

Another point - something that really is THE single most important factor with respect to these free online drawing lessons...

Is creativity.

Drawing IS about being creative.

And while each lesson here does encourage you to walk a 'specific path' to create a cartoon of my creation...

You must never forget to tap into your own creativity as well.

Actively seek out new ways to change the drawing at hand, such that it becomes unique to you.

There are endless ways to do this, whether it be making things larger or smaller...

Or changing the style of your lines.

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If you look at this creature I drew, on the right - you can see that while takes on the form of a human - sort of...